Dutch Fork patriots John Kinard and Jacob Fulmer fought in the nine-hour-long Battle of Sullivan's Island 249 years ago to defeat the most powerful navy in the world.

This year marks the 250th anniversary of the beginning of the Revolutionary War, which began in 1775 in Massachusetts with the battles of Lexington and Concord. Those battles and other events prompted the South Carolina Provincial Congress to authorize the formation of several militia regiments, including the 2nd South Carolina Regiment.

In early 1776, approximately 400 soldiers of the 2nd Regiment — which included Dutch Fork soldiers John Kinard and Jacob Fulmer — were assigned to defend Sullivan's Island.

The British attacked on June 28, 1776, one week before the Declaration of Independence, resulting in a major early victory for American forces that prevented the British from capturing Charleston and provided encouragement to American patriots during the early days of the war. American forces defeated the British navy, the most powerful navy in the world.

The Battle of Sullivan's Island became known as the Battle of Fort Moultrie and is often studied in South Carolina high school history courses. Students may remember reading about the fort that was constructed out of palmetto logs and sand and about Sgt. William Jasper, who heroically raised the battle flag while under fire from the British. This flag was later modified to become the South Carolina state flag we use today.

In 1841, John Kinard, age 83, who lived in the Cannon’s Creek area of Dutch Fork prior to the war, applied for a pension for his Revolutionary War service. In a sworn statement, he said that he marched from Dutch Fork to Charleston and fought in the Battle of Sullivan’s Island under the command of Capt. Jacob Fulmer and Col. Francis Marion (Marion was actually a major at that time). Francis Marion is the famous “Swamp Fox,” whose unconventional tactics and leadership were instrumental in the Patriot cause. He rose to the rank of brigadier general. The commander of the 2nd Regiment was Col. William Moultrie, who later became a major general and governor of South Carolina. Jacob Fulmer was also from Dutch Fork but died before pensions were authorized by Congress. He is buried in an area now covered by the waters of Lake Murray, with a memorial marker at nearby St. Peter Lutheran Church cemetery. Both Dutch Fork soldiers fought in other battles throughout the war.

In early June 1776, Gen. George Washington assigned Gen. Charles Lee to assume command of all American forces in South Carolina. At that time, Fort Sullivan was only partially completed and Lee believed it was not defensible. He ordered American forces to abandon it. However, at the urging of Col. Moultrie and South Carolina Gov. Rutledge, Gen. Lee allowed American forces to try and hold the fort.

On June 28, a British fleet of nine warships attacked and a nine-hour-long cannon bombardment persisted. British cannonballs were mostly absorbed by the fort’s palmetto logs and sand-filled walls. The American cannon fire was very accurate. The British flagship was hit more than 70 times and 42 crew members were killed or wounded, including Commodore Peter Parker, who was wounded. Four other British ships were heavily damaged or ran aground. Total losses by the British were 220 killed or wounded. American losses were 37 killed or wounded.

This was a major victory for the Americans. Six days later, the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress in Philadelphia. Afterward, the South Carolina General Assembly promoted Col. William Moultrie to brigadier general and renamed Fort Sullivan in his honor.

Gen. Lee wrote, "The behavior of the Garrison, both men, and officers, with Colonel Moultrie at their head, I confess astonished me." Gen. Washington wrote, “With such a bright example before us, of what can be done by brave and spirited men, fighting in defence of their Country; we shall be loaded with a double share of Shame, and Infamy, if we do not acquit ourselves with Courage, or a determined Resolution to conquer or die.”

There are no comprehensive records of the names of soldiers who fought in this important battle, so it may have included other Dutch Fork patriots. June 28 has been officially designated as “Carolina Day” by the South Carolina Legislature and is celebrated in Charleston every year with speeches and a parade.

We should honor all patriots who fought in the 1776 Battle of Sullivan’s Island.